Harold Schoenhaus, DPM's Review of ACFAOM Review Text in Podiatric Orthopedics & Medicine (3rd Edition)

Harold Schoenhaus, DPM
 Surgical Editor for PRESENT e-Learning
 Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center
 Philadelphia, PA

I have just finished reviewing the 23 chapters of this excellent book. The contributing Editors provide a comprehensive highly outlined podiatry text that is now one of podiatry’s best educational assets for DPMs, residents, and anyone preparing for board certification. Bibliographical citations are extremely thorough and help support the material being presented. The questions provided are all answered in the chapters that are well written and thought provoking. Classifications of deformity and trauma are clearly identified.

The text impressed me as representing the state-of-the-art in Podiatric medicine as it exists today, and will assist in the development of the standard of care in foot and ankle surgery and orthopedics. It is so comprehensive that other disciplines of medicine treating foot and ankle pathology will also benefit from this text. Radiologic images including X-rays and MRIs are clear and easily demonstrate appropriate pathology. Stick diagrams are also indicative of intended discussions regarding normal and abnormal positions.

The text impressed me as representing the state-of-the-art in Podiatric medicine as it exists today...

Each chapter is comprehensive in its review of its content maintaining alternative opinions as well as treatment protocols for conservative as well as surgical treatments.

The medicine chapters are most informative from neurology, peripheral vascular disease, dermatology, infectious disease, endocrinology, and wound care to name a few. Kathleen Satterfield, DPM, FACFAOM, and Daniel Evans, DPM, FACFAOM acting as co-editors should be complemented for their outstanding work.

As an educator for 49 years serving in the capacity of chairman of departments of orthopedics and surgery at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and in the capacity as a full professor involved with orthopedic and surgical residents, I fully appreciate the content being provided. I also serve in the capacity as Surgical Editor of PRESENT e-Learning Systems and one quickly appreciates the enormity of information required to become board certified. The information we provide must be evidence based and continue to be expanded as our experiences mature. We are constantly being held accountable by our patients to be sure we have a foundation of knowledge in order to obtain successful outcomes.

Even though our profession seems to favor surgery, one cannot be a skilled surgeon without a firm and thorough understanding of all the basics and principles provided in this text. We are referred to as doctors of podiatric medicine and surgery which demands a level of knowledge second to none.

As students in podiatric schools, we are taught essentials of all courses, but there is no comprehensive text such as this that we possess upon graduation. We now have one. Surgical texts are essential for practicing podiatric surgeons, but do not focus on the comprehensive information from an orthopedic and medical standpoint. Anecdotal opinions are important but must be substantiated by literature review and citations.

The chapter on surgical criteria and complications by Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAOM and lsin Mustafa, DPM, MSHS clearly nailed and identify the basics of orthopedic medicine and surgical mishaps. Complications of surgery constantly occur, and the mature surgeon must identify when a complication arises and deal with the common problems in an appropriate manner. A great surgeon should be critical of his or her results in reviewing literature to assess the totality of the problem. They clearly depict surgical problems and how to deal with them.

Chapters on Dermatology, Infectious Disease, and Wound Care are well written with up-to-date approaches and knowledge in all areas. Wound care has become one of the largest areas of practice as the population ages and diabetes and peripheral vascular disease become far more prevalent. No other profession possesses the knowledge and skill in treating these advanced disorders as does podiatry. An almost cookbook approach and algorithm are provided in the treatment of these conditions. Pediatrics is thoroughly reviewed by Edwin Harris, DPM who discusses all aspects of problems including congenital as well as developmental disorders. Recommendations, diagnosis and treatment are thoroughly reviewed. This area of information is not as extensively covered in podiatric medical schools and these chapters provide an excellent and thorough review of the plethora of problems and how they can affect us as we mature.

Biomechanics has always been near and dear to my heart. I have often stated that without sound foundation, surgical results will be compromised. Scott Spencer, DPM, FACFAOM provides a thorough review of biomechanical abnormalities leading to deformity such as hallux abductovalgus. Various philosophies including that of Root et al are thoroughly reviewed including classifications of deformity. Treatment options are carefully provided. Surgery does not correct for basic biomechanics but addresses the end product - deformity. The underlying biomechanics still exist postop and must be addressed for excellent outcomes. Orthotics play a critical role to provide thorough biomechanical and surgical outcomes.

It must be stated that our profession has two boards representing certification required by insurance panels and hospital privileges. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery stands alone as the primary surgical board. However, the American Board of Orthopedics and Podiatric Medicine also stands alone as is demonstrated by this comprehensive text demonstrating an incredible fund of knowledge necessary to become board certified. It could easily be used to reinforce the significance of this board to insurance carriers, hospitals, and other medical disciplines.

In conclusion, I am thoroughly impressed with this text, applaud all the contributors and recommend it highly to all practitioners treating foot and ankle pathology.

I am thoroughly impressed with this text, applaud all the contributors and recommend it highly to all practitioners treating foot and ankle pathology.

It should be used by all colleges of podiatric medicine as a source of information for all podiatric medical and surgical programs.